Tony East here, the host of the daily Locked On Pacers podcast, with your daily Locked On Pacers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pacers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The best Pacers duos + fun interviews
Nov 22, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) grabs a rebound against Indiana Pacers forward Enrique Freeman (8) and guard Johnny Furphy (12) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu/Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Catching up with Pacers players after chatting best duos
The Pacers are finally mostly healthy and the Mad Ants are playing at home. That created an opportunity for a unique podcast with THREE shorter players interviews as new Pacers two-way contract guard RayJ Dennis as well as second-round picks Johnny Furphy and Enrique Freeman stop by Locked On Pacers.
First, a 10-minute chat on the Pacers best duos this season. What do the net rating numbers reveal about the team? Obviously the starters have been great, but there are some undercurrents that suggest how the Pacers could soon tweak their rotation.
Then, it’s interview time. Dennis made his home debut for the Mad Ants this week, just a few days after the Pacers signed him. He chatted for five minutes about his background and skill set — that dude can pass.
Afterwards, Freeman and Furphy join the mix. Many thought they would be in the G League far more often than they have been this season, and the two second-round draft picks discussed their growth this year, reps with the Mad Ants, the Pacers ascent, and more.
It’s a new episode style, but a great way to get information about some players who don’t play as much. Freeman was terrific in the G League this week and Furphy performed the rare NBA doubleheader on Wednesday by playing for the Mad Ants in the morning and the Pacers at night.
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Must Read Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Rumor New trade rumors and a potential Tyrese Haliburton injury could significantly impact the Indiana Pacers’ roster and season outlook. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Pacers’ coach Rick Carlisle details how Thomas Bryant’s surprise emergence played a crucial role in a recent victory, emphasizing strategic player utilization. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Pacers host the Golden State Warriors tonight at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pacers podcasts. Hear from some Pacers players The Indiana Pacers have won four straight, which is a good time to check in on their turnaround. What duos have been guiding the team of late, by the numbers? Then, RayJ Dennis, Johnny Furphy, and Enrique Freeman chat on the podcast.
How the Pacers rolled the Bulls Indiana dominated Chicago on Wednesday night, and Thomas Bryant stood out. How an unlikely hero carried the Pacers, who got the rim whenever they wanted in a division win.
Pacers getting more from Mathurin, Bryant The Pacers have been seeing great play from Bennedict Mathurin recently. What changed in his game to improve? And what is Thomas Bryant doing so well?
